Front Range Community College is awarding its first bachelor’s degrees in the school’s 52-year history. These are also the first four-year degrees in nursing from any school in the Colorado Community College System. FRCC began offering classes in its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program in October of 2019. The Class of 2020 is now graduating.
Community colleges generally award two-year associate degrees—but in 2018 the Colorado legislature passed a law allowing them to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
“FRCC’s new program is helping to meet a growing need for skilled health care providers in Colorado by building on our 50-year history of outstanding nursing education,” said President Andy Dorsey. “It also provides students an affordable route to good jobs in their home state.”
“Nurse leaders recognize the value of the pursuit of higher education,” said Josie Moszynski, director of patient services–acute care at UCHealth Broomfield Hospital. She co-chairs the advisory board for FRCC’s RN-to-BSN program. “We encourage our nurses to continue their studies to complete their bachelor’s degree.”
“Nurses with BSNs have a different knowledge base from having access to additional training including unique critical thinking skills,” said Moszynski. “Not only can this help lead to higher quality care provided to patients, but it guides nurses to successful lifelong careers. FRCC’s program is helping us meet the health care needs of the communities we serve now and in the future.”